Jovislash paving his own path to success: Interview

Impulse Africa Team recently caught up with multi-talented rapper, radio host and comedian Jovislash as he continues his incredible work ethic in 2021 with latest project Rapiano.

Jovislash is a musician who is always in touch with current affairs. His series of releases have helped him become a national sensation by turning real issues and events into radio hit songs.

He has devoted his life to music production, specializing not only in hip-hop but also in house, amapiano, electro, dub and kwaito.

As a comedian, Jovislash has his own YouTube channel and infuses music, comedy, and social issues to uplift, educate and empower the community.

Growing up in Alexandra, he was influenced by his former mentor and childhood hero, the late Nkululeko ‘Flabba’ Habedi.  

1. Briefly tell us about your journey as a musician so far?

Music is part of my life  It’s like a calling  I can’t escape from it I can’t do without it, It heals me.

Keeps me sane if it wasn’t for music, I don’t think I’d still be here. My journey as a musician has been interesting.  I’ve met and made music with incredible people I’ve never thought I would.  

Being an artist in general is tough. But it’s worthy when you know what you’re in it for.

2. How would you describe your sound?

As an artist I think we are all supposed to be unique. It’s all in the music to understand how we all are.

I love comedy so you can pick it up from there. I also touch on important subject matters.

I think it is very important to not only entertainment people but to educate as well and raise social awareness.

3. How has the process of establishing your own core sound and style been?

You find yourself and improve your sound as you constantly work.  The more you put in work the more you learn, understand and be comfortable with yourself. That’s how I am.

4. Where do you draw your inspiration from as a musician?

Everyday life I am observant, my surroundings are my source of inspiration.  I don’t only tell my own stories I also put myself in the shoes of people I see on a daily base.

I paint pictures through music I am a storyteller by nature. I’m inspired by life.

5. Your latest project, what was the inspiration behind it?

Amapiano is viral. It’s the “in” genre. It is absolutely at its peak. I love the sound hence I had to find myself within it, without losing myself as a rapper.

There’s always a way. In this case I decided to move like the 90s mixtape era. Taking all the hottest songs and doing my own versions.

Hence it’s a mixtape project. I was having fun. Nothing more nothing less. It’s a very fast paced project. I also used it to promote my current new single titled Mina.

The song is very close to my heart as it carries a great message. It is available in the tape which is out for free. People should check it out. It is very interesting and funny too.

6. Have you noticed any difference in the way people consumed your music during and after the lockdown?

Well. There’ll forever be change in how people consume music. The pandemic is just a phase.

As long as the time ticks and things change, people will forever consume music in different manners.

We are not yet off the hook in terms of lockdowns. So people continue enjoying music.

It is just that when we had the first lockdown people had more time in hand and they got to consume music more without any distractions.

Now that the restrictions are not tighter people are going on with their lives. They want to party again and jam to some of the music their heard previously.

7. As an Independent artist what would you say is the most important lesson you have learnt so far?

Nobody is there to babysit you. It aren’t easy.

8. Three things people do not know about Jovislash?

The things they don’t know clearly means that they are not supposed to know them.

I’m kidding:

1. I’ve never had a 9to5. It has always been music. Remember I said music is my life.

2. I meditate a lot.

3. I’m recognized by the Billboard for remixing Childish Gambino’s hit, This Is America

9. What can your fans expect from you for the remainder of 2021?

Music videos for some of the songs I’ve worked on and also basically being in every hood promoting my currency project Rapiano.

By the way check out my stable mate, DJ Phatpro who has recently released a new EP titled Provember. Dope work in there. I’m part of that project, ‘featured on a track titled Vibe. Awesome joint.

10. What are you most grateful for right now?  

Being alive and healthy; family; and the team I have as well. It gets tough and lonely in this street when you are an artist.

 You need people who believe in you and constantly push you to do good. I have that.